Video - 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Active Control Systems

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) in the new 911 Carrera ensures yet further enhanced agility. This system comprises a rear differential lock and variable torque distribution to the rear axle. The electronically controlled rear axle differential lock in the PTV Plus package in particular, combined with PDK, as the system’s top-of-the-range variant, can be variably and actively controlled depending on the driving situation.

That means that, especially when pushing the driving dynamics boundaries, it offers even greater traction, yet further significantly increased driving stability under changing loads when cornering and performing lane change maneuvers and with higher lateral acceleration coupled with improved yaw damping. A further advantage of the fully variable rear axle differential lock is optimal braking behavior under heavy braking by completely disengaging the lock and the associated ability of the ABS to be able to control each individual wheel optimally.

The transmission of longitudinal and lateral forces to the road is assured by the latest generation of tires, which were specially developed for the new 911 Carrera in collaboration with the manufacturers. In addition to improving efficiency-related attributes, this setup translates into even better handling and braking capability.

The new 911 Carrera sees Porsche’s first use of electro-mechanical power steering, which has been developed from scratch and is vastly more efficient than every other system on the market in terms of its efficiency and precision. This is also apparent when it comes to performance: When braking on road surfaces with different levels of grip, an input is imparted to the steering wheel in the desired direction, making it easier for the driver to stabilize the vehicle and keep it in the desired lane. A vehicle status sensor within the steering system accurately calculates the force currently applied to the rack and pinion, which is then used to vary the appropriate steering torque. This ensures optimal steering feedback in every driving situation with good road surface contact. Useful information about the road surface and driving conditions is transmitted to the driver in full through the steering wheel; unwanted influences are filtered out, with information such as jolts filtered accordingly.

Top-Performance with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control

The completely revamped optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is a critical contribution to the impressive performance improvement of the new 911 Carrera. The system propels the 911 to a new level in lateral acceleration and handling. The vehicle’s lateral inclination, for example when entering a bend, when cornering and changing lanes at speed is almost completely offset by the variable stabilizer system up to the maximum lateral acceleration. Because of the reduced roll angles, the tires are always in the optimal position relative to the road surface and are able to transmit higher lateral forces. This has the effect of increasing maximum cornering speeds, which in turn ensures faster lap times on racing circuits – as the Nürburgring time proves. The system also affords even more direct steering feedback and greater steering precision. The intelligent control of the PDCC system is also able to exercise individual control over the hydraulic actuators, depending on the driving situation, influencing self-steering behavior in the process and consequently improving vehicle stabilization.

The interplay and careful intermeshing of all these building blocks combine to deliver a convincing outcome in the new 911 Carrera: Faster acceleration, shorter braking distances, greater lateral acceleration potential, faster and safer lane changing. In short – even more performance.